Here it is, in black and white and some kind of aqua, the 2011 Vida Vegan Con weekend schedule! We’ve promised you classes, panel discussions, workshops, excursions, local vegan dining options, receptions, entertainment, and more—and we aim to please. Next step, we’ll be working with our speakers to match them with classes. Keep an eye on the Conference Agenda page for the most up-to-date information.

Thursday, August 25, 2011
6:00 pm–8:00 pm • Informal Meet & GreetIn town early? Already a Pacific Northwest dweller? Come join the early birds and natives for this casual get-together at the Bye and Bye, then perhaps a stroll down vegancentric NE Alberta St.

Friday, August 263:00 pm–6:00 pm • Early Registration
Please make sure to check in and pick up your stylin’ Vida Vegan badge, official materials (book, map, and whatnot), and Swag Bag of Wonder at the registration table before the start of tomorrow’s activities. (The registration table will be also be open Saturday morning.)

7:00 pm–9:00 pm • Opening Night Reception
Our opening reception, held in the Columbia Falls Ballroom, will feature local musicians. Have a cocktail (or mocktail) or two, sample whichever hors d’oeuvres strike your fancy—they’re all vegan—and make some new friends.

9:15 pm… Late-Night Wander
You won’t forgive yourself if you come to Portland and don’t explore the city at night! Grab your map or join a group of us for a cart or bar crawl. A MAX line just so happens to journey from the PSU campus to a 24-hour doughnut shop with vegan yeasted and cake doughnuts.

Saturday, August 278:00 am–10:20 am • Registration, Breakfast, and Official Welcome
If you haven’t had a chance yet, pick up your Vida Vegan Con materials before heading off to breakfast. Fuel up buffet-style, with local baked goods, juices, teas, and Stumptown coffee. What’s your favorite unmilk or creamer? We’ll probably have it!

10:30 am–11:30 am • Class Session 1 (3 classes)

11:40 am–12:10 pm • Class Session 2 (3 classes)

12:20 pm–1:00 pm • Class Session 3 (3 classes)

1:00 pm–2:00 pm • Lunch (catered—and it’ll be good!)

2:10 pm–3:10 pm • Class Session 4 (3 classes)

3:20 pm–4:20 pm • Class Session 5 (3 classes)

6:00 pm–9:00 pm • Galarama & Silent Auction
After a long day of gettin’ your learn on, get your fancy on at the Galarama. Cocktail dresses and up-dos, wingtips and bow-ties are heartily encouraged! Music, art, and yummy eats and drinks set the stage for our Silent Auction to benefit animal sanctuaries.

9:15 pm… More Late-Night WanderingYes, we’ll be heading out on the town again. It’s either that or a pillowfight in the dorms!

Sunday, August 289:00 am–10:30 am • BrunchGood morning, wild and productive vegans! Pour that coffee, grab the coconut creamer, and smother those pancakes in maple syrup and fruit. You need your strength—we’ve got another full day of greatness ahead.

10:45 am–11:30 am • Class Session 1 (2 classes)

11:45 am–1:15 pm • Class Session 2 (3 classes)

1:30 pm–2:00 pm • Coffee/Tea Break

2:15 pm–3:15 pm • Class Session 3 (3 classes)

3:30 pm–4:15 pm • Class Session 4 (2 classes)

4:15 pm–4:30 pm • The FarewellIf you haven’t already, swap your business cards or fill in your address book/fancy phone with all your new friends—you’ll have a lot of new blogs to catch up on once you get home!

7:00 pm… Optional Dine-OutStill planning on being in town? Let us know when you check in at the registration table and we’ll save you a spot for our Sunday night dine-out…at a location to be determined. We’re open to suggestions.

So Many Classes!
With 9 sessions, and 2-3 classes per session, we’ll have a ton to choose from. The following are merely a sampling of what’s in store.